Our Professional Staff

Our experienced providers are committed to a high standard of patient care and are here for you throughout every stage of your hearing journey.

Who We Are

We understand choosing a hearing care provider is a big decision. At The Hearing Improvement Center, our number one priority is delivering exceptional patient care. Our staff is well-trained on a variety of services ranging from evaluations to treatment.

We believe great care includes establishing great relationships with our patients. Treating hearing loss is an ongoing process that requires regular follow-ups, maintenance and cleanings to keep you hearing your best. Our staff is here to support you not only during your initial visit but throughout your entire journey to better hearing.

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Our Hearing Professionals

Caren

Caren Barone

Audiologist/Member

Dr. Barone attended Southern Connecticut State University, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Communications Disorders in 2003 and her Master's degree in Audiology in 2005. After completing her Clinical Fellowship Year at Park Avenue Acoustics in Manhattan in 2006, she served as a staff audiologist at the Newington, West Haven and Northampton VA Medical Centers from 2006-2012.

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Hannah Vollinger

Hannah F. Vollinger

Audiologist

Dr. Vollinger graduated with her Doctorate in Audiology from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2010 and then went on to pursue a Masters of Business Administration from Fitchburg State University in 2019.  She completed her Clinical Externship at UCLA Audiology Clinic and then went on to work at Connecticut Children's Medical Center as a staff Audiologist from 2010-2017.

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SO

Shannon O’Rourke

Audiologist

Dr. O’Rourke attended the University of Connecticut graduating with her Bachelor’s in speech, language, and hearing science in 2017 and her Doctorate of Audiology in 2021. She completed her clinical externship at the Yale Hearing and Balance Center within the Yale Medicine Department of Otolaryngology, where she gained valuable experience in diagnostic testing of hearing and balance, as well as working with cochlear implants and hearing aids.

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Alan Dumaine

Alan Dumaine

Audiologist/Member

Alan Dumaine retired in March of 2022 after providing exceptional service to the hard of hearing in the Greater Hartford area for 42 years. 

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Mary Ann Gubala

Mary-Ann Gubala

Office Manager

Mary-Ann manages the Wethersfield office and has 24 years of experience in accounting and business operations. She is a Wethersfield native, and we all enjoy the light from her amiable disposition.

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Julie Moody

Juliann Vale

Office Administrator

Julie joined our team in February 2021 and oversees the day-to-day operations in our West Hartford office along with scheduling appointments for both of our locations.  We know you'll find her to be friendly and helpful whether you are interacting with her in person or over the telephone.

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